Local Google offices support R-71

Over on The Microsoft Blog, I reported that Google’s Seattle and Kirkland offices have written a joint letter in support of Referendum 71. By taking a stand, Google joins numerous other companies  including Microsoft, Boeing, Puget Sound Energy, RealNetworks and Vulcan  that have stated their support of domestic partnership rights for same-sex couples.

“Google has a reputation for actively participating in policy debates surrounding information access, technology and energy,” Google’s letter states. “However, we do not generally take positions on social, legal or political issues that arise beyond our normal, day-to-day business. With that said, there are issues that are so important and so clear cut that we feel compelled to lend our voice. Supporting Referendum 71 is one of those issues.

“To be clear, we respect the strongly held beliefs that people have on both sides of this argument. Nevertheless, we see this debate as one that comes down to equality, plain and simple. If we believe in equal protection under the law we must, in our view, support a man or woman’s right to enjoy the legal benefits of domestic partnerships  no matter whom they love.”

Read my report on The Microsoft Blog here. Read Google’s letter to the editor, sent to seattlepi.com, here.